Name: Joe Timmer Age: 28 From: Kalamazoo, Mi
How long have you been with CrossFit Torrent and what made you decide to start?
I have been with Crossfit Torrent one year. I decided to start because a year ago my wife and I took our 5 year anniversary trip to Hawaii, and I didn’t feel motivated to workout the whole time we were there. All I did was lay around and drink shaved ice. I was looking for something to get me back in the groove, started watching Crossfit videos on Youtube, and thought “this looks really hard, I am going to go for it.”
What do you do when you’re not at CFT?
I work at Eaton corporation as a finance manager, try to make it to the gym once a day, and then chase my kids around most of the evening. We love doing anything outdoors, and I enjoy working on my house when I get the time. I am married with 3 kids under 5, so every day is a crazy day in the Timmer household, but we love it. We also are an avid snowboarding family.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
When I came into the gym the first day, thought I was strong, and then barfed after my first time on the assault bike.
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND WHY CAN’T I DO AN OVERHEAD SQUAT WITH 85 POUNDS, AND WHY IS MORGAN LOOKING AT ME WITH A LOOK OF EXTREME PITY.
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
My favorite is running WODs, and my least favorite is probably the snatch.
What is the one thing you have done at CFT that you never thought you would do?
String together muscle-ups
What motivates you during a tough workout?
The biggest motivator for me is coming in and knowing the time I need to beat to get on the leaderboard. I think the reason this is so powerful is that you know someone survived this time before you, so it is possible. Now just beat it by a rep or by a second.
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
There is a lot I like about Crossfit, but I think the main thing is how it targets every weakness in your body, and puts a spotlight on it. Your body chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Crossfit has really helped me to focus on areas that need improvement. I also enjoy the camaraderie of the group of people I workout with. Unfortunately for the coaches, they have to tell me to do everything 5 times because I am too busy talking, but hey I am trying. I also enjoy how Crossfit is challenging for everyone, from beginner to expert.
What are your short term and long term goals?
My short term goals are to improve my form on certain movements, and my long term goals are to take that form improvement and apply it to heavier weights to get more out of each lift.
How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Torrent? What impact has CFT had on you in and out of the gym?
Crossfit has helped my focus on excellence in all areas of my life. It is extremely motivating for me to have conquered a workout by 6am in the morning, knowing nothing else in my day is going to be as difficult as what I just did. I also love the mental aspect. In most of the workouts I know I can get to the time or reps I want, but am I mentally willing to go there? Pushing through it builds mental toughness as well as physical strength. Crossfit is a great outlet for the drive to succeed.
Do you have any advice for people just getting started at CFT?
Work on your fitness outside of the gym as well. Maybe do a 3 mile run twice a week. Maybe do 15 minutes of abs while you’re watching something. Squeeze fitness into all areas of your life when possible, it will only help you in the gym.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat Meal: Apple Crisp
Favorite Musician/Band: Talk Radio……No seriously.
Favorite Sports Team: Detroit Tigers
Favorite Tv Show/ Movie: Any true war movie
Favorite CrossFit Athlete: All the 5 and 6 am Torrent warriors that are making me grow old with their displays of fitness on a daily basis
Coach’s comment: What can we say about Joe T…:)#1 Fun fact about Joe is that he has been wearing the wrong size shoes for years. #2 We believe he is superhuman, he has made progress in one year that takes normal humans years. #3 Joe crashed his car on a massive downed tree and still showed up for the gym a few hours later. (Did we happen to mention he is superhuman?)
But seriously Joe is someone that always brings life to class, he comes in to work hard and gets better every day. He takes feedback well and will try his best to put that feedback to good use. It’s pretty easy to coach Joe, you just say “Hey have you tried a muscle up? No? Okay pull yourself up to the rings and then do a dip.” and then he does it. He is part of the Dad club and even with a brand new baby and not a lot of sleep he makes it every day. Joe is equal parts great dad, great athlete, and great person. We are very thankful Joe chose to join our Torrent Fam, it wouldn’t be the same without him! Enjoy your month, Joe!